I want to be a personal trainer&group fitness instructor,but I have a BS in Kinesiology. Do I still need to get multiple certifs

I was thinking about getting the certification for Health Fitness Specialist (ACSM) & A group fitness instructor certification, but was wondering do I need them? Do the exams & tests help that particular area and help for job search?

Answers (7)

What I've found through my own experience is that with a personal training certification, places will hire you for personal training as well as group-ex (even though they're actually quite different!). However, with a group-ex certification, you'll get hired for group exercise but not for personal training.

So, if you were only going to get one cert, I'd get a personal training cert.

If you're going to get two certs, I'd suggest getting them both from the same agency as often there are discounts on re-certification and the CECs will count towards both. ACSM, ACE and AFAA all have personal training as well as group-ex certifications if you decide to do both.

Yes, you have to have current certifications in order to work in the clubs or to be independent trainer. I have recommended NASM and AFAA. NASM will give solid practical knowledge what exactly you have to do in training sessions with each clients without guessing. AFAA will give you unique opportunity to study latest trends in group training.
Kinesiology will be like fundament for building successful carrier.

the main reason why clubs usually require a certification despite your degree is that certifying organizations require continued education. That way they can make sure that you stay current in your field.

There are many organizations in high standing in the industry, ACSM, ACE and NASM to name a few.